Evolène
Evolène: 41km piste, 1228m vertical, CHF 43 day pass. Quiet alternative to Verbier in traditional Valais village.
Season 2026 - 2027
Opens
19 Dec 2026
Closes
28 Mar 2027
Days open
99
Annual snow
0.9m
The Overview
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
Evolène operates 41.1 kilometres of piste across 11 marked runs between 1404 and 2632 metres, delivering 1228 metres of vertical drop in the Val d'Hérens. The terrain splits into 38 per cent beginner, 27 per cent intermediate and 35 per cent advanced, with four red runs, three black runs and two blue descents threading through high-alpine terrain facing the Dent-Blanche and Matterhorn. The ski area receives an annual average of 4.3 metres of snowfall, with predominantly north and east-facing slopes that hold cover reliably from late December through March.
The upper slopes above 2000 metres provide access to extensive off-piste zones that track out slowly due to modest visitor numbers, whilst groomed runs include the demanding Vouasson descent and an ungroomed black variant favoured by powder seekers. Lifts depart from the hamlet of Lannaz, located 2.1 kilometres above Evolène village at 1404 metres, with free shuttle buses connecting the two. Chamois are frequently visible from the Lannaz-Chemeuille chairlift during the ascent to mid-mountain terrain. The ski area extends to the Arpilles sector when snow conditions permit, adding two additional runs to the upper mountain.
The resort maintains a quiet, uncrowded atmosphere distinct from the packed pistes of nearby Verbier and Zermatt, with aged but functional infrastructure and minimal on-mountain development. Restaurant de Chemeuille operates at mid-mountain with terrace dining facing the Dent-Blanche. Evolène village itself sits below the ski area and was voted most beautiful village in French-speaking Switzerland in 2012, its sun-blackened larch chalets and traditional granaries preserved as heritage architecture. The February carnival runs for a month with nightly gatherings in village bars.
The Espace Dent-Blanche pass grants access to Arolla and La Forclaz, totalling 100 kilometres of slopes across three valleys between 1400 and 3000 metres. Magic Pass holders ski free at all three areas. Adult day tickets cost CHF 43, with heliskiing experiences available for CHF 450. The 2025-26 season runs 21 December to 23 March, with the resort suiting advanced skiers, freeriders and families seeking affordable Swiss skiing outside the major destination resorts.
1228m
Vertical
11
Runs
41.1 km
Piste
0.9m
Annual snow
The Terrain
11 runs across 41.1 km of piste
Evolène is a small area with an unusual shape: 11 runs and 41.1 kilometres of piste fall 1,228 metres, from 2,632 metres to the base at 1,404 metres at Lannaz. The difficulty split is 38% beginner, 27% intermediate and 35% advanced, with no expert grading, so the middle of the mountain is thinner than at most resorts. Only five lifts do the work, a double chair, three T-bars and a surface lift, and the 1981 Von Roll chair is the only chairlift in the whole Espace Dent-Blanche.
Everything starts with the Lannaz-Chemeuille double chair, a slow fixed-grip lift that climbs to the mid-mountain terrace facing the Dent Blanche and keeps crowds thin. From there, T-bars reach 2,632 metres, the Vouasson descent is the demanding groomed option, and an ungroomed black variant appeals to powder seekers. Above 2,000 metres, off-piste zones track out slowly, and the Arpilles sector adds two runs when snow allows. Evolène suits advanced skiers, freeriders and families who value quiet slopes, free village shuttle buses and good views over lift speed.
Terrain split
11
runs
11 runs across 4 grades
Beginner4 runs · 38%
Intermediate3 runs · 27%
Advanced4 runs · 35%
Expert0 runs · 0%
Time it right
When to visit Evolène
The 2025-26 season opens 21 December 2025 and closes 23 March 2026, with additional weekend operation scheduled for 28-29 March and 2-6 April inclusive. This 13-week core season aligns with typical Valais mid-altitude timing. Arolla within the same pass area operates longer due to higher base elevation at 2000 metres, opening weekends from early December and running through mid-April.
Evolène receives 4.3 metres of annual snowfall on average, with week two of January historically the snowiest period delivering 51 centimetres across 3.7 snowy days. The ski area's elevation between 1400 and 2632 metres provides a snow reliability advantage over lower resorts, particularly on upper slopes above 2000 metres that benefit from a high-mountain microclimate. North and east-facing aspects preserve snow quality well into spring, often maintaining excellent conditions through March when south-facing terrain at similar elevations deteriorates rapidly. Modest snowmaking infrastructure exists but natural snow quality remains the primary asset.
January through March delivers the most consistent conditions, with February representing peak powder reliability and March offering longer daylight and spring corn snow on sunny aspects. December and early January can be variable at lower elevations until the seasonal snowpack establishes. Off-piste zones track out more slowly than at major resorts due to light crowds, with fresh snow remaining skiable for days after storms rather than hours.
The village hosts a month-long February carnival with traditional costumes and nightly festivities. No night skiing operates. Lift tickets include a heliskiing experience option for CHF 450, with drops into the surrounding Val d'Hérens peaks arranged through local operators. Cross-country skiing operates on 20 kilometres of Nordic trails between Evolène and Les Haudères villages.
Season 2026 - 2027
19 Dec 2026
Opens
28 Mar 2027
Closes
99
Days open
0.9 m
Annual snow
The record
Historical snowfall at Evolène
Daily snow reports at Evolène go back to 2017, 10 winters on the books. Open the record to compare winters, lifts and piste.
105 cm
Snowiest day
4 Mar 2024
48 cm
This winter · 2026-27
so far
92 cm
Typical winter
average of complete seasons
Winter totals
cm
Past wintersThis winter
Getting there
Getting to Evolène, and where to stay
Evolène sits at 1404 metres in the Val d'Hérens, a side valley branching south from the Rhône valley in Valais canton. The valley extends from Sion towards the glaciated peaks of Dent Blanche at 4357 metres and Dent d'Hérens at 4171 metres, with Evolène village located 25 kilometres up-valley from the Rhône plain. Ski lifts operate from Lannaz, a hamlet 2.1 kilometres above the main village. The Val d'Hérens forms part of the French-speaking Valais region, surrounded by 4000-metre peaks and accessed via a single valley road.
Sion, the Valais capital, lies 25 kilometres north with a 30-minute drive time under normal conditions. The village of Les Haudères sits 5 kilometres further up-valley from Evolène, whilst Arolla occupies the valley head 14 kilometres beyond. Evolène village retains centuries-old vernacular architecture with sun-weathered wooden buildings, stone-framed doorways and traditional granaries raised on stilts. The commune covers nearly 21,000 hectares, making it one of Switzerland's largest municipalities by area.
Motorway A9 provides the primary access corridor, with drivers taking exit 27 marked Sion-Est / Val d'Hérens before following cantonal roads through Vex, Saint-Martin and Hérémence to reach Evolène. The valley road is wide, well-maintained and suitable for all vehicle types including campervans. Geneva lies 185 kilometres west with a two-hour drive via the A9, whilst Zurich sits approximately three hours northeast. The dramatic earth pyramids of Euseigne mark the valley entrance 15 kilometres below Evolène.
Sion Airport is 20 minutes away by road, though Geneva Airport at 182 kilometres represents the primary international gateway with a 1 hour 56 minute drive. Train services run from Geneva Airport to Sion station in approximately 90 minutes, from where PostAuto bus line 381 operates hourly to Evolène village in 34 minutes. Total public transport journey time from Geneva Airport reaches 3 hours 37 minutes with one connection at Sion. Private transfers and rental cars are available at both airports.
Where to stay
Search all stays →Hotels and lodges near Evolène, powered by Stay22.
Good to know
Frequently asked
When is Evolène's ski season?
Evolène's 2026 - 2027 season typically runs from December 19 through March 28. That window is roughly 99 calendar days, though daily operations depend on snow cover, weather, and lift maintenance.
Resorts in Switzerland, Europe often announce firm dates closer to winter; check the live snow report before you travel if you are planning around opening weekend or spring closure.
How much skiable terrain does Evolène have?
Evolène lists about 41.1 km of piste of marked terrain spread across 11 named runs. That footprint is what most riders experience on a lift-served day. Side-country or hike-to terrain may sit outside these published numbers.
Use the trail map to see how the mountain is laid out and where the longest fall-line runs connect back to base.
What is the terrain like at Evolène?
Trail grading at Evolène breaks down roughly as 38% beginner, 27% intermediate, 35% advanced. The advanced and expert share is substantial, so confident skiers and riders will find plenty of steeper fall-line options once they leave the nursery slopes.
Percentages describe the resort's published piste mix, not vertical metres. A mountain with modest "expert" stats can still feel demanding if the steep terrain is long or exposed. Read the trail map alongside these numbers when planning your route.
How many lifts does Evolène have?
Evolène operates 5 lifts across 3 lift types. The fleet includes 3 t-bars, 1 double chair, and 1 surface lift.
Lift mix affects how quickly you can lap your favourite zones. Gondolas and trams move big crowds to mid-mountain, while shorter chairs and surface lifts often serve learning areas or local pods. Check the live snow report on ski days for real-time open/closed status.
What is the elevation and vertical drop at Evolène?
Base elevation at Evolène is about 1,404 m (4,606 ft), with the summit around 2,632 m (8,635 ft), giving roughly 1,228 m (4,029 ft) of vertical from base to top.
Higher start heights usually mean colder, drier snow holding longer into spring, but also thinner air and faster weather changes. Pack layers if you are riding from village level to summit lifts in one day.
How much snow does Evolène get each season?
Evolène averages about 92 cm (36 inches) of natural snowfall per season. That is a long-term climate figure. Any single winter can run well above or below it depending on storm track and temperature.
For trip planning, pair this baseline with the live snow report and webcams: fresh cycles show up in overnight totals and summit cameras long before season averages tell you much about today's surface.
Where can I buy Evolène lift tickets and how much do they cost?
Published single-day adult pricing on SnowStash currently spans CHF 27 to CHF 450, depending on date band and whether you are buying peak or regular windows. Tickets can be bought online through the resort's official checkout (linked from our lift tickets page) or at on-mountain ticket windows, subject to availability.
Buying ahead of peak holidays and weekends generally saves money and guarantees access on sold-out days. Before you commit, scan the snow report and webcams so you are paying for conditions that match your expectations.
How can I check snow and mountain conditions at Evolène before I go?
SnowStash pulls together 1 live mountain webcam, a downloadable piste map, and the daily snow report for Evolène so you can plan from home. Webcams refresh on a short interval and are the fastest way to judge visibility, wind exposure, and whether storm snow is still falling.
The snow report adds structured totals, base depth where available, and lift/trail status when the resort publishes it. Use both together: cameras show what it looks like right now, and the report summarises numbers your group can compare day to day.
Does Evolène have a trail map?
Yes. The downloadable PDF/image map is better for offline planning, marking meeting points, and understanding the full mountain layout at a glance.
Both versions are on the trail map page for Evolène. If you are navigating with kids or meeting friends across separate lifts, screenshot or print the static map and keep the live map open on your phone for operational updates.
Where is Evolène located?
Evolène sits in Switzerland, Europe. That regional context matters for travel planning: airport transfers, snow tyres, and typical storm patterns all follow geography as much as resort marketing.
Browse nearby accommodation from the resort page if you are comparing village-base vs valley-base stays; where you sleep changes your first lift of the day more than most trail stats do.
Latest News
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